More British Citizens Expatriating and Living Abroad

Summary: Taking a look at facts to consider if you’re a British citizen thinking of expatriating and going to live abroad

British population figures and statistics reveal that more British citizens are expatriating and living abroad than ever before.  They are leaving the country in unprecedented numbers for greener pastures elsewhere.

According to the Daily Mail, many of the 196,000 who left Great Britain last year found themselves in Spain, America, Australia, New Zealand and France for example.  So if you’re thinking of expatriating it’s obvious you’re not alone!  Still, you might find yourself wondering if this major lifestyle choice really is right for you – after all, how can you be assured you’ll fit into a new life overseas?

The simple answer is that you cannot!

But the good news is that there are some steps you can take to ensure the move out of the UK is a reasonably stress free and good one. 

Although you won’t be able to tell for certain if that pasture is any greener until you’re actually living abroad, some serious homework in advance can help you decide in a more informed way whether relocating is the right thing for you and your family.

Here are some steps to take and things to consider before making the expatriate choice personally: -

• Research the country you are interested in.  Pulling up and moving to Chicago Illinois, or Troyes France without really understanding the culture, climate, employment opportunities, working regulations, residency laws and even the local school system is just not wise!  You’re going to be a stranger in a strange land, yes, but you don’t need to be a clueless stranger in a strange land!  Really get a feel for the place before you make a final decision to move there.  Also, if employment is required, finding out the rules of the road and even obtaining work overseas beforehand is a very smart move.  A broke, clueless stranger in a strange land is almost never a happy person!!!

• Explore the expatriate community.  Many Britons and expatriates from other countries find they feel more at home if other expatriates are in place.  Why is this?  It’s simple – expatriates tend to create their own clubs and social events.  Even small towns in America have their British Societies where expats can come together and discuss life in their new land, exchange ideas and even celebrate special days together.  This social buffer creates an instant support network – or it can if you work at it.

• Visit the country.  Selling out and moving to Bulgaria, Spain or Cyprus for example without even visiting first is almost never a good idea!  While you can study up on the cultures and climates – and you should – you are not going to get a real feel for local living until you go and explore.  This is a very wise thing to do before you take the plunge.  In fact, many expatriates choose to rent at first just to test the waters.  It’s easier to move back if property ownership entanglements are not muddying the waters.

Millions of Britons are thinking of starting a new life abroad, millions of Britons already do live abroad - whether it’s America, Belize, Australia or an entirely different location you have in mind, if you want to make the transition successful, you’re going to have to do some homework.  The more you research, understand and visit a given country the more likely it is you’ll feel right at home when you do finally move out there.

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